New Years Resolutions for Dog Owners: Get the MOST out of the new year with your dog!
The onset of a new year is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and embracing new beginnings, not only for us but also for our canine companions. This comprehensive guide offers insightful, heartfelt, and positive tips for dog owners seeking to improve their pets’ lives in the forthcoming year. As dog owners, our New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t just revolve around our personal goals, but should also incorporate our furry friends’ well-being and happiness.
Resolution #1: Embrace Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining your dog’s overall health, both physically and emotionally. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of all dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. A commitment to regular exercise, such as daily walks or play sessions, can significantly enhance your dog’s well-being while also helping you stay fit.
Establishing a Routine
Setting a consistent daily routine can help keep your dog active. Even a short, brisk walk around the block or a quick game of fetch in the backyard can do wonders for your dog’s health. Develop an exercise regimen that fits both your and your dog’s lifestyle and age, and stick to it.
Exploring New Activities
Adding variety to your dog’s exercise routine can keep things exciting for both of you. Try out new activities like hiking together, dock diving and swimming, scent work, or agility training. Not only will this provide your dog with a good physical workout, but it can also stimulate their mind and strengthen the bond between the two of you!
Resolution #2: Promote Healthy Eating
Just like humans, dogs can benefit significantly from a balanced, nutritious diet. Overeating or consuming unhealthy food can lead to weight gain and various health issues in dogs.
Research Ingredients or Take a Nutrition Class
Rather than assuming that the dog food you feed is truly complete (because the bag says it is), take the time to research the company that produces your dog’s food, the individual ingredients in it, and any consumer complaints. Or, to take your knowledge to the next level and enroll in a Canine Nutrition Class to not only know what you are feeding, but also how to supplement and prepare truly complete meals at home.
Measuring Food Portions
Instead of estimating, take the time to measure your dog’s food portions accurately so you get a feel for their individual caloric needs. Just like people, dogs can have a slow or fast metabolism, and overfeeding is a common issue among pet parents. Even a small excess in daily calories can lead to unwanted weight gain over time.
Choosing Nutritious Treats
When rewarding your dog, opt for treats made with natural ingredients and without any artificial preservatives, added sugars, or salt. Learning how to dehydrate chicken, pork, beef, and sweet potatoes can not only save you money, but also help you KNOW what your dog is really getting. Finally, remember to give treats in moderation as they can quickly add up in terms of calorie intake.
Resolution #3: Invest in Regular Vet Checkups
Your dog can’t tell you when they feel less than stellar, and many pet parents miss small signs of illness, especially with stoic dogs. Maintaining regular vet checkups is essential to monitor your pet’s health and detect any potential health issues, before they become big problems.
Annual Physical Exams
An annual physical examination should include yearly lab work that includes a Complete Blood Count, Chemistry Panel (with electrolytes), and a Thyroid Test to show you what is going on internally, as well as a thorough check of your dog’s skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and more. Your vet can not only provide essential advice on necessary preventative care, but also catch any big health problems you just can’t see with the naked eye.
Regular Vaccinations & Titer Testing
Staying up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations is crucial to protect them from various diseases. Consult with your vet about the necessary vaccines based on your dog’s age, breed, and health history, and consider discussing Titer Testing to avoid over-vaccination when possible.
Resolution #4: Prioritize Dental Hygiene
Dental health is often overlooked but is critical for your dog’s overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to painful gum disease and expensive dental procedures.
Regular Tooth Brushing
Make it a routine to brush your dog’s teeth daily. This can help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Use a dog-friendly toothpaste and a soft toothbrush designed for dogs for the best results.
Annual Dental Checkups
In addition to daily brushing, schedule annual dental checkups for your dog. These visits allow for a deep clean and provide an opportunity to check for any potential dental issues that may be developing.
Resolution #5: Enhance Mental Stimulation
Just like physical exercise, mental stimulation is vital for your dog’s overall well-being. It can help keep your dog happy, reduce problem behaviors, and strengthen your bond.
Learning New Things
Training isn’t just for puppies. Dogs of all ages can learn new tricks and behaviors, which can provide excellent mental stimulation. Spend a few minutes each day teaching your dog a new trick, practicing a new obedience command, or getting into a new sport like scent work or agility.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys and puzzles are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated. They can challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and keep them occupied, especially when you’re not at home.
Resolution #6: Encourage Good Behavior
Promoting good behavior in dogs is an ongoing process, but it’s well worth the effort. Well-behaved dogs are easier to manage, less stressful to live with, and more enjoyable to be around.
Consistent Training
Consistency and balance are key when it comes to training. Utilizing a combination of positive reinforcement techniques (such as praise, treats, or toys, to reward your dog for displaying desirable behavior), as well as gentle rules and boundaries, can help avoid confusion and fear by clearly showing your dog what you are asking.
Professional Help
As most Dog Trainers will tell you – a LOT of Owners wait too long to seek Professional Help and inadvertently allow a small problem to become a much larger issue. If you’re struggling with training or dealing with specific behaviors you need help with, don’t hesitate to seek out a Professional Trainer. A Professional Dog Trainer can provide valuable guidance and support, while also getting you back on track towards a better relationship.
Resolution #7: Prioritize Preventive Care
Preventive care can help protect your dog from various health issues and potentially save you money on vet bills in the long run.
Regular Parasite Prevention
Regular parasite prevention is crucial to protect your dog from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Talk to your vet about the most suitable parasite prevention products for your dog, create a dosing schedule with reminders that will alert you (most smartphones have calendars that will help you do this), and stick to it.
Pet Insurance
While some individuals opt to have a petcare-dedicated credit card, not all pet owners have the credit or income for that, which is where Pet Insurance comes in. Pet insurance can not only assist with routine preventative care, but also provide financial support in case of unexpected health issues and accidents. It can cover a significant part of the costs for treatments, surgeries, and medications, making it a worthwhile investment for many pet parents.
Resolution #8: Enhance Your Dog’s Environment
A stimulating environment can contribute significantly to your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Comfortable Sleeping Space
Ensure that your dog has a comfortable, cozy space to sleep and sometimes retreat from the rest of their family pack. This could be a soft dog bed, a crate with comfortable bedding, or a designated area on your couch or bed. Options like PrimoPads, Kuranda Cots, and dog beds from K9 Ballistics can help create a safe soothing space, even for dogs that chew.
Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Interactive toys and puzzles (such as those you can find on Amazon by Nina Ottosson) can provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your dog while also reducing negative boredom-related behaviors.
Resolution #9: Regular Grooming
Regular grooming is essential for maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being. It can help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, reduce shedding, and prevent various skin conditions.
Regular Baths
Regular baths can help keep your dog’s skin and coat clean and healthy. Don’t bathe your dog more than their skin can handle it though, and opt into using a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner to prevent skin irritation and dryness.
Regular Nail Trims
Regular nail trims can help prevent discomfort, potential injuries, and even prevent early onset arthritis in your dog’s spine, hips, and elbows. Spending a little time each day getting your dog used to the sound and vibration of a dremel can go a long way towards easier toenail sessions. However, if you have tried that and are still uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails yourself, consider consulting with a Professional Trainer to help train you and your dog together for success, or creating a routine appointment with your Veterinarian or Groomer.
Resolution #10: Spend Quality Time Together
Spending quality time together can strengthen your bond with your dog and contribute to their overall happiness. This can involve playing games, going for walks, or simply cuddling on the couch.
Regular Play Time
Set aside some time each day to play with your dog. This can involve a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive play with toys. Not only does this provide physical exercise, but it also offers mental stimulation and helps strengthen your bond.
Relaxation Time
Relaxation time is just as important as play time. Spend some time each day simply relaxing with your dog, whether that’s cuddling on the couch, petting them, or enjoying a peaceful walk somewhere quiet.
Resolution #11: Be Present and Enjoy Each Moment
In our busy lives, it can be easy to take our pets for granted. Make a resolution to be more present and enjoy each moment with your dog.
Appreciate the Small Moments
Instead of letting yourself get annoyed, appreciate the small moments. Remembering that your dog is only here for a short time can help you look at the way your dog greets you when you come home and their excitement when they see their favorite toy in a new light. Every moment matters; don’t miss a single one.
Capture Memories
Capture memories of your time together. Take photos or videos of your dog’s funny antics, their cute sleeping positions, or your adventures together. These memories will be treasured in years to come, as one day they may be all you have left.
Final Thoughts
As a loving dog owner, while not everything mentioned here will directly relate to your relationship with your dog, setting the New Year’s resolutions listed here that personally resonate will not only improve your pet’s life but also strengthen your relationship with them.
Here’s to a happier, healthier, and more rewarding year with your furry best friend; see you in soon!
